Leicester disabled living centre relaunched

11 January 2010

BRCBritish Red Cross chief executive Sir Nick Young recently joined volunteers, staff and Leicester health professionals to celebrate the re-launch of the organisation’s disabled living centre and independent living shop.

The newly refurbished – and relocated – disabled living centre helps people with disabilities, as well as older people and carers, access practical solutions and support to make daily living easier. The service also offers free impartial advice, information and guidance.

The adjoining independent living shop sells a wide range of products to help people retain their independence. Equipment available includes adjustable beds, chairs, walking frames, wheelchairs, ergonomic cutlery and other daily living aids.

Encouraging people to live independently

The centre and shop both form part of the Red Cross’ community equipment service (CES), which originally launched 50 years ago with a grant of £150. The service is now the largest voluntary sector provider of outsourced community equipment in the UK and employs 125 people across the country. In 2008, staff and volunteers delivered 285,000 items to more than 130,000 vulnerable people, providing equipment to help live independently at home.

Barbara Hamilton, CES director said “We are delighted with the new look shop and disabled living centre. Encouraging people to live independently in their own home is one of our key aims and the centre will help vulnerable people across Leicester to do this.

"The shop not only boasts a variety of equipment but we also have fantastic staff and volunteers who can provide advice and guidance on products available.”

Visual merchandising staff from John Lewis department store have also generously donated their time to decorate the shop window, encouraging people to come and take a look inside.